Tick-box, weasel words, or a transformative experience? Insights into what educators consider the real impact of HEA Fellowships

ABSTRACT

Global membership of the HEA fellowship scheme is increasing. Despite the focus by academic developers on supporting staff to achieve fellowship, there is limited research that examines whether it improves teaching and the learning experience. Our detailed survey of educators in the UK and Australia indicates perceptions of impact on individuals, practice, and community. Importantly for academic developers, the reflective act of developing a fellowship has potential to shape the student learning experience. However, some staff are frustrated and disillusioned by their experience. We call for institutions to design development and recognition that maximise impact and acknowledge the benefits valued by educators.

KEYWORDS:

• HEA fellow
• impact
• intangible benefits
• professional standards framework (PSF)
• reflection
• self-efficacy

Disclosure Statement

Seven of the eight authors lead institutional schemes accredited by Advance HE, and six of the authors are Advance HE consultants or accreditors.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Abby Cathcart

Abby Cathcart is a Professor of Higher Education Governance, and Director of the Queensland University of Technology Academy of Learning and Teaching, Australia. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), and an Advance HE Strategic Advisor (Australasia).

Mark Dransfield

Mark Dransfield is a Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice at York St John University, UK. He is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and an institutional lead for Advance HE accredited provision.

Sarah Floyd

Sarah Floyd is a Reader in Higher Education Practice in the Centre for Higher Education Research and Practice at Ulster University. She is a Principal Fellow of the HEA, an institutional lead for Advance HE accredited provision, and an Advance HE Accreditor.

Laurie-Anne Campbell

Laurie-Anne Campbell is a Research Assistant at Edinburgh Napier

Rachael Carkett

Rachael Carkett was a Senior Academic Staff Developer at the University of Bath, UK. She is now an Independent HE Consultant and is a National Teaching Fellow, Principal Fellow of the HEA, Senior Fellow SEDA, and Advance HE Accreditor.

Vicky Davies

Vicky Davies is a Lecturer in Higher Education in the Centre for Higher Education Research and Practice at Ulster University. She is a Principal Fellow of the HEA, an institutional lead for Advance HE accredited provision, and an Advance HE Accreditor.

Ros Duhs

Rosalind Duhs is a Principal Teaching Fellow at the Arena Centre for Research-Based Education, University College London (UCL). She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Advance HE Accreditor.

Fiona Smart

Fiona Smart is an Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching and Head of the Department of Learning and Teaching Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier. She is a Principal Fellow of the HEA and an Advance HE Accreditor.